The two South Korean companies, which compete in the market for memory chips used in both mobile devices and traditional computers, have signed a cross-licensing deal in a bid to avoid legal conflict and devote resources to developing better chips. Though the move was a surprise, it shouldn’t be unexpected—by forging ties with Hynix, Samsung will be able to boost chip supply just as it is expanding in the market for mobile devices.

The two companies didn’t say how long their pact will remain in effect. In April, Samsung’s Mobile Chief J.K. Shin said the company was looking into the possibility of using Hynix’s mobile chips, though nothing has been announced since. Samsung sources most of its chip requirements from its own foundries as well as from Qualcomm Inc.

Component sourcing has become an increasing challenge for mobile phone makers as smartphone sales continue to growth rapidly. Their partnership could give the South Korean chipmakers more power in price negotiations with Apple Inc., which uses both Samsung and Hynix chips for its mobile products, said Jae H. Lee, a senior analyst at Daiwa Securities.

Signing a cross-licensing deal isn’t a first for Samsung. Given the wide range of patents the contract covers, analysts say, it’s difficult to pinpoint a specific consumer product that would benefit most from the arrangement. Samsung’s chip business accounted for 12.2% of the company’s operating profits in the first quarter. The company is also the world’s biggest manufacturer of smartphones and television sets.